Real ID Pt.5

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Authority Is Delegated to Every Believer Through Jesus

Every believer in Christ has been given spiritual authority, not because of their own merit or position, but because Jesus, who was given all authority, has delegated it to His church—the entire body of Christ. This authority is accessed through a personal relationship with Jesus, not through works, titles, or years of service. It is not something that can be bought or earned, but is a gift for all who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. When we understand this, we can walk confidently in the authority that has been entrusted to us, knowing it is rooted in our identity as sons and daughters of God. [02:12]

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been hesitant to walk in the authority Jesus has given you? How can you step out in faith today, trusting that His authority is yours through relationship with Him?

Day 2: Scripture Is the Foundation and Measuring Stick for Our Lives

The Word of God is the ultimate authority and foundation for every believer, providing the standard by which we measure all teaching, doctrine, and even our own lives. Scripture is not reserved for pastors or spiritual leaders; it is for every believer to read, know, and internalize. The Holy Spirit, given to all, reveals truth as we spend time in the Word, helping us to understand our identity and purpose. We are called to read all of Scripture, not just select parts, so that we are thoroughly equipped for every good work and can discern truth from error. [08:16]

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NKJV)
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to deepen your engagement with Scripture, allowing it to shape your beliefs and decisions?

Day 3: Our Worldview Must Be Shaped by the Whole Counsel of God’s Word

A biblical worldview means measuring every law, cultural trend, and personal belief against the unchanging truth of Scripture, rather than the shifting standards of society or government. Culture and laws may change, but God’s Word remains constant, and as believers, our convictions and actions must be rooted in what God says, not what is popular or accepted by the world. This requires us to read and know the entirety of Scripture, refusing to cherry-pick only the parts that are comfortable or convenient, so that we can stand firm in truth and love, even when it is countercultural. [20:09]

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Reflection: Is there a belief or value you hold that is more influenced by culture than by Scripture? What would it look like to realign that area with God’s Word today?

Day 4: We Must Not Cherry-Pick Scripture, But Embrace Its Fullness

It is tempting to focus only on the promises and blessings in Scripture while ignoring the parts that challenge, correct, or convict us. However, true spiritual maturity comes from reading, knowing, and applying the whole counsel of God’s Word, including the warnings, instructions, and calls to repentance. When we cherry-pick, we miss out on the fullness of God’s wisdom and the richness of His promises, many of which are discovered only through obedience and perseverance in the less comfortable passages. Embracing all of Scripture protects us from error, legalism, and shallow faith, and leads us into a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. [27:40]

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NKJV)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Reflection: What is one “hard” or challenging passage of Scripture you have avoided? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply it today?

Day 5: The Power of Belief, Faith, and Confession in Walking Out God’s Word

Walking in spiritual authority requires not only knowing and believing God’s Word, but also confessing it—speaking life, truth, and God’s promises over our lives and situations. Our words carry power, and Scripture teaches that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Faith is demonstrated through action and confession, even when circumstances have not yet changed. As we declare God’s Word, we align our hearts and minds with His truth, build up ourselves and others, and open the door for God’s power to move in and through us. [48:42]

Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Reflection: What is one area where you have been speaking doubt or negativity? How can you intentionally begin to declare God’s truth and promises over that area today?

Sermon Summary

In this season of exploring our “Real ID” as followers of Christ, the focus today is on the authority given to every believer and the foundational role of Scripture in understanding and walking in that authority. Jesus, having received all authority, delegated it to His Church—not to a particular denomination or congregation, but to the entire body of Christ. This authority is not earned by works, position, or longevity in faith, but is accessed through a genuine relationship with Jesus. Every believer, regardless of background or title, is invited to walk in this delegated authority.

Unity in the body of Christ is essential, as Jesus Himself prayed for it. When believers come together, regardless of denominational lines, there is a unique power and authority that is released. This unity is rooted in our shared identity as sons and daughters of God, an identity we discover and solidify through the Word of God.

Scripture is the ultimate authority and the foundation for our worldview. It is not reserved for pastors or spiritual elites; every believer is called to read, know, and internalize the Word. The Holy Spirit, given to all, is our teacher, revealing truth as we meditate on Scripture. We are cautioned against cherry-picking verses to suit our preferences or to condemn others. Instead, we are to embrace the entirety of God’s Word, allowing it to shape our beliefs, correct us, and equip us for every good work.

A biblical worldview means measuring every law, cultural trend, and personal conviction against the unchanging standard of Scripture. Culture and laws may shift, but God’s Word remains constant. We are challenged to resist the temptation to only accept the parts of Scripture that are comfortable or beneficial, and instead, to let the whole counsel of God inform our lives.

Walking in spiritual authority requires belief, faith, and confession. It is not enough to simply read or know the Word; we must believe it, act on it, and declare it. Our words carry the power of life and death, and we are called to speak life, truth, and grace, both over ourselves and others. The journey of faith is not solitary—God desires that we support one another in prayer, honesty, and encouragement, always returning to the foundation of His Word.

Key Takeaways

1. Authority Flows from Relationship, Not Position Spiritual authority is not a reward for years of service, religious activity, or church office. It is a gift delegated by Jesus to every believer who is in genuine relationship with Him. This means that the newest Christian has the same access to authority as the most seasoned leader, provided their trust is in Christ alone, not in their own merit or status. [04:52]
2. Scripture Is the Foundation and Measuring Stick The Word of God is not just a source of inspiration but the ultimate authority for life and doctrine. Every teaching, tradition, and personal conviction must be measured against Scripture, which is inspired, cohesive, and sufficient. When we encounter confusion or difficulty in understanding, the Holy Spirit is faithful to illuminate truth as we persist in reading and meditating on the Word. [10:51]
3. A Biblical Worldview Is Non-Negotiable Our worldview must be anchored in Scripture, not in the shifting sands of culture, law, or personal preference. Even when society legalizes or normalizes what God calls sin, our allegiance remains with the unchanging truth of God’s Word. This steadfastness may be countercultural, but it is essential for living as authentic disciples in a world of compromise. [22:38]
4. We Must Embrace the Whole Counsel of God, Not Cherry-Pick Selectively accepting only the comforting or convenient parts of Scripture robs us of the fullness of God’s promises and warnings. True spiritual maturity comes from reading, knowing, and internalizing the entirety of God’s Word, allowing it to correct, instruct, and equip us—even when it challenges our assumptions or exposes areas needing change. [31:15]
5. Faith, Confession, and Community Activate Authority Belief alone is not enough; faith must be expressed through confession and action. Our words have creative power, shaping reality for ourselves and those around us. Yet, honesty and vulnerability in community are also vital—we are called to support one another in prayer, encouragement, and accountability, always speaking truth in love and grace. [47:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - Series Recap: Real ID and Spiritual Authority
[01:37] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[02:51] - Accessing Authority Through Relationship
[04:09] - Authority Is Not Earned or Bought
[05:34] - Learning Authority Through Scripture
[08:16] - The Word of God as Foundation
[10:14] - Paul’s Charge to Timothy: Scripture Over Pedestals
[12:15] - The Word Is for Every Believer
[13:38] - All Scripture Is Inspired and Profitable
[16:33] - The Importance of a Bible Reading Plan
[17:48] - Knowing and Internalizing the Word
[20:09] - A Worldview Based on Scripture
[25:37] - The Danger of Cherry-Picking Scripture
[31:15] - The Whole Counsel of God: Blessings and Warnings
[44:30] - Walking in Authority: Belief, Faith, and Confession
[47:46] - The Power of Confession and the Tongue
[56:45] - Community, Honesty, and Prayer
[59:59] - Responding: Reading, Knowing, Believing, Declaring
[61:11] - Invitation: Start Now, Not Later
[64:04] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NKJV) — > But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2. John 17:20-23 (NKJV)
> “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

3. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
> Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Observation Questions

According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the different ways Scripture is described as being “profitable” for believers?
In John 17, what does Jesus specifically pray for regarding those who will believe in Him through the disciples’ message?
The sermon mentioned that “spiritual authority is not earned or bought, but accessed through relationship with Jesus.” What stories or examples did the pastor use to illustrate this point? [[04:09]]
What does Proverbs 18:21 say about the power of our words, and how did the pastor connect this to the way we speak over ourselves and others? [[47:46]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize to Timothy that Scripture is the “measuring stick” for all teaching and doctrine, even above the example of spiritual leaders? How might this affect the way believers approach church authority? [[10:51]]
The sermon stressed that unity in the body of Christ is essential for walking in spiritual authority. What does true unity look like according to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, and how is it different from just agreeing on everything? [[01:37]]
The pastor warned against “cherry-picking” Scripture. What are some dangers of only accepting the parts of the Bible that are comfortable or convenient? Can you think of examples where this might happen in real life? [[25:37]]
The message highlighted that faith, confession, and community are all needed to activate spiritual authority. Why is it not enough to just believe quietly in your heart? How does confession and community play a role? [[47:46]]

Application Questions

The pastor said, “Spiritual authority is not a reward for years of service, religious activity, or church office. It is a gift delegated by Jesus to every believer who is in genuine relationship with Him.” Do you ever feel like you’re not “qualified” to walk in spiritual authority? What holds you back, and how can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ this week? [[04:52]]
The sermon challenged us to make Scripture the foundation for our worldview, not culture or personal preference. Are there areas in your life where you’ve let culture or your own opinions shape your beliefs more than the Bible? What’s one step you can take to realign your thinking with Scripture? [[20:09]]
The pastor gave a practical example about missing out on “perks” because he didn’t read the terms and conditions. Is there a promise or truth in God’s Word you’ve recently discovered that you wish you’d known earlier? How can you be more intentional about reading and internalizing the whole counsel of God? [[19:33]]
“We cannot cherry-pick the Word of God.” Is there a part of Scripture you tend to avoid because it’s uncomfortable or challenging? What would it look like to face that passage honestly and let God speak to you through it? [[25:37]]
The message emphasized the power of our words: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Think about the way you speak about yourself, your family, or your circumstances. Is there an area where you need to start speaking life and truth instead of negativity or doubt? [[48:42]]
The pastor encouraged honesty and vulnerability in community. Do you have someone you can be real with about your struggles and ask for prayer? If not, what’s one step you can take to build that kind of relationship? [[54:04]]
The sermon ended with a call to start reading Scripture now, not later. What is one practical step you can take this week to make Bible reading a regular part of your life? (For example: choosing a reading plan, setting a reminder, inviting someone to read with you, etc.) [[01:01:11]]

Sermon Clips

You cannot buy spiritual authority. Someone needs to hear that this morning. You cannot buy spiritual authority. It's not based on how big of a tither you are or a giver you are. It's not based on your works. It's not based on your merits. It is completely based on the relationship with Jesus and in who Jesus is. [00:04:09] (24 seconds) #SpiritualAuthorityIsRelationship

This is what I understand Paul telling Timothy that day. You learned a lot of stuff from me, but don't have me on a pedestal. Don't put people on a pedestal. You know the truth because since childhood, you've been in the word. I need you to understand that this morning. Myself or any pastor, teacher that's, on a pulpit or on a platform, we learn from them. We see example. We can be discipled by them, but scripture, that's the measuring stick. If I live in a way that goes contrary to scripture, I'm wrong, and this is right. [00:10:32] (40 seconds) #ScriptureIsTheStandard

Our worldview is based on the Word of God. Or maybe I should say your worldview should be based on the Word of God because there's some that don't have it based on the Word of God, and they call themselves Christians. Oh, that one might sting, but we'll get there. Our worldview is based on the Word of God, not on the law of man, not on the law of the land, and not on culture or society. [00:20:25] (26 seconds) #WorldviewOnGodsWord

The biblical worldview has not changed, and it will not change. And even if culture says that X, Y, or Z is okay, if the Word of God says that it's not, it's not. End of story. It's not about being harsh. It's about we read Scripture, and we believe the entirety of Scripture, and if God said this, this is what it is, regardless of what culture says. [00:23:34] (41 seconds) #UnchangingBiblicalTruth

What is faith? Complete trust. What is an act of faith is doing something even though you don't have it yet. And there's some of us in this room that we're believing for something. We're praying for something. And we know what the scripture says, but we haven't acted on our faith. Faith requires action, corresponding action. [00:46:45] (25 seconds) #DeclareGodsWord

If the son of God declared scripture, bro, I think we should too. Learn it, know it, and declare it. Speak it. Because church, there is authority. There is power in our confession. There's power in our confession. Our confession has power. [00:47:57] (31 seconds) #PowerOfTheTongue

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Death and life. Many of us focus on let's speak life, let's speak life, let's speak life. But we don't realize that half the time or more than half the time we speak death. Something's coming and we are the ones. I'm just a realist. So I'm just saying what might happen. That is a very nice way of saying I speak death constantly. [00:48:57] (37 seconds) #ReadKnowBelieveDeclare

We must read the word of God. We must know the word of God. We must believe the word of God and we must declare the word of God. We got to read it. We got to know it. We got to believe it. And we got to declare it. [00:57:44] (21 seconds) #HolySpiritGuidesReading

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